The Concern with Energy Apathy

BY ALEXANDER BEAULIEU

I believe the earth gets warmer and I also believe the earth gets cooler. And I think history points out that it does that and that the idea that man, through the production of CO2 is somehow responsible
for climate change is, I think, just patently absurd.
-Rick Santorum

I think there are a substantial number of scientists who have manipulated data so that they will have dollars rolling in to their projects.
-Rick Perry

Carbon dioxide is not a harmful gas; it is a harmless gas…And yet we’re being told that we have to reduce this natural substance and reduce the American standard of living to create an arbitrary reduction in something that is naturally occurring in the Earth.
-Michelle Bachmann

These former Republican presidential candidates epitomize an overwhelming problem within our society: a dangerous lack of knowledge and concern about energy. Although the United States is currently confronted with this seemingly overwhelming problem, like these presidential candidates, a majority of Americans do  not even care. Only 45 percent of us consider the nation’s energy problems to be a priority, down from 60 percent in 2009. One of the more dangerous traits of a society is apathy. Thomas Jefferson once declared that “lethargy [is] the forerunner of death to the public liberty.” Understandably, there exists a range of  issues that one may be more concerned about (i.e. the economy, immigration, healthcare, etc…). But if we,  the American public, do not take the time to familiarize ourselves with even the most basic facts behind our nation’s energy policies, we can expect a disastrous future.

Our indifference has already led to a serious lack of rudimentary knowledge: 87 percent of Americans could not correctly identify our number one supplier of oil. While most answered Saudi Arabia, only 13 percent correctly named Canada. American views inherently contradict themselves: although 49 percent oppose additional fracking, a supermajority – 82 percent – support more natural gas production.  Somehow, 57 percent of Americans believe additional fracking will reduce carbon dioxide emissions. If  most Americans do not realize the true meaning of fracking, or the damage it causes to the environment, how can we expect them to be educated voters? More importantly, how can we expect to progress as a society while a majority of us are voting with misguided beliefs? This alarming ignorance is not only present in fracking. While 65 percent of the country favors the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, 65 percent also want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, studies conclude that such a pipeline will significantly increase greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. To make matters worse, a majority of Americans were unaware that the United States’ energy production had increased over the past few years.

Knowledge is crucial. Quite simply, possessing a stronger understanding of such issues will lead to more viable policy, which in turn will preserve our planet. The next time they enter their polling center, voters must understand what the candidates truly represent when they declare a pro-fracking position.

Our current lack of knowledge on energy issues will lead to a dangerous distrust of science. We have already experienced such absurdity during the climate change debate. Although a majority of the United States used to believe that humans were responsible for climate change, much of that thinking has dissipated. According to a Pew study, in 2009, only 36 percent of Americans believed that the Earth was warming because of human actions, even though 97 percent of climate scientists confirm the theory. One of the more prominent reasons for such a change is due to the influence of powerful contrarian organizations and businesses. But even the most basic understanding of climate science could have prevented the nation from believing in such blatant deception. Too much time on the part of  environmental groups has been spent on lobbying Washington. Such organizations must divert substantial resources towards grassroots efforts in order to educate the public and cultivate public knowledge and support for energy policy.

Our reputation as a world leader is also at stake. Numerous countries have already implemented policies to reduce environmentally damaging practices. By raising the gas tax, for example, European countries were able to significantly reduce carbon emissions through automobiles by forcing the use of public  transportation. Although we have a lot of catching up to do, we must exercise perseverance and fortitude. We must present the United States as an innovator in sustainable environmental law. Then, and only then, will the rest of the world turn to us for guidance and leadership.

Admittedly, it is not easy to overcome such significant lack of energy knowledge. Numerous overbearing  forces are working to misinform the public on such issues. That is why it is paramount to find a way to defeat those who knowingly inflict harm through public deceit. Our future as a country and a civilization demands it.